Support scaled up as Dineo wrecks Mozambique

From ARIMANDO DOMINGOS in Maputo, Mozambique
MAPUTO, (CAJ News) – INTERNATIONAL human rights groups are gearing up to provide over 130 000 people displaced by the rampaging Tropical Cyclone Dineo in Mozambique.
The cyclone that has killed seven people around the Southern African country has left a trail of destruction including 22 000 homes, 49 hospitals and health facilities, 105 schools and other public buildings destroyed.
Electricity is cut off in many areas, while roads are closed due to downed trees, debris and flooding. Heavy rains continue and worsening floods are anticipated.
The southern Inhambane is hardest hit by the worst cyclone since Jokwe, which killed 16 in 2008.
Yesterday (Monday) the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) and Red Crescent Societies said it was sending disaster response experts to Mozambique, releasing emergency funds to support the Mozambique Red Cross response and providing 500 affected families with tarps for emergency shelter and tools for making shelter repairs.
More than 1 000 volunteers are already working in affected communities in coordination with provincial authorities.
“The displacement of families from their homes, the disruption of health services and the prospect of extensive flooding and water contamination all come with major public health risks that will need to be addressed quickly,” says IFRC’s disaster management coordinator for southern Africa.
South Africa and Zimbabwe have also issued flood alerts as Dineo, which has been downgraded to a tropical storm, threatens heavy rains and flooding as it moves westward.
Red Cross is mobilizing volunteers and putting contingency plans in place in anticipation of humanitarian needs.
– CAJ News

Short URL: http://cajnewsafrica.com/?p=18268

Posted by editor
on Feb 21 2017. Filed under Featured.
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